Lawyer Alleges DSS Assaulted Nnamdi Kanu in Detention — ‘He Was Physically Attacked,’ Says Maxwell Opara
“Prominent lawyer Maxwell Opara alleges that IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu was assaulted by DSS operatives during detention. His revelation sparks renewed protests and raises serious questions about Nigeria’s rule of law and human rights record.”
Prominent Nigerian lawyer, Maxwell Opara, has shared disturbing details about the condition of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), alleging that Kanu was physically assaulted by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Opara made the revelation in a video that surfaced online, offering a rare glimpse into the current state of the separatist leader, who has remained in DSS custody despite multiple court orders directing his release.
The disclosure comes amid renewed public outrage and nationwide protests demanding Kanu’s unconditional release.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore led the demonstrations, which drew widespread attention as protesters called for respect for judicial authority and fundamental human rights.
Sowore was briefly arrested by the police during the protest, but he was released following mounting pressure from civil rights groups and the public.
In the viral video, Opara recounted his recent visit to the DSS detention facility, where he met with Kanu. According to him, Kanu narrated a harrowing experience of being “attacked by DSS operatives” within the facility.
“I went to see Nnamdi Kanu on Saturday, and he told me how he was attacked by DSS operatives,” Opara stated.
Visibly disturbed by the account, Opara condemned the alleged assault, describing it as “another gross violation of the IPOB leader’s fundamental rights.”
The lawyer, known for his advocacy in high-profile human rights cases, also criticized the continued defiance of court orders by the security agency.
He warned that such disobedience “undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system and erodes public confidence in law enforcement institutions.”
“The persistent disobedience of court orders by security agencies is a dangerous precedent,” Opara added. “If the government can ignore the courts in such a high-profile case, it sends a message that the rule of law is negotiable.”
Several human rights organizations and pro-democracy groups have since renewed their calls for Kanu’s release, urging the federal government to comply with judicial rulings. Some have even called on international bodies to intervene, citing growing fears for Kanu’s health and safety in custody.
The DSS has not yet issued an official response to the latest allegations. However, sources close to the matter indicate that Kanu’s legal team is preparing to file new motions addressing both his alleged mistreatment and prolonged detention.
Nnamdi Kanu, who faces charges of treasonable felony and terrorism, has been in DSS custody since his arrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021.
His continued incarceration has sparked heated debates in legal and political circles, with many observers describing his case as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to justice and democracy.
Opara’s latest revelation adds a fresh layer of tension to the ongoing controversy, underscoring the growing rift between the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and human rights advocates across the country.
